The number of construction firms facing significant financial pressure has risen almost 40% over the past year, according to data from Construction News.
In a world that aims to build back better, the Save Construction Initiative is an industry-driven taskforce influencing the stability of the UK construction industry that M&Y are proud to sponsor Save Construction’s upcoming event led by Liverpool Chair Andy Spooner: Save Construction – September 11th
The event will see Mayor Steve Rotheram welcoming The Save Construction Initiative to the Liverpool City Region, joined by the region’s most influential Leaders in construction, together with SCI founders, Zoe Brooke and Tim Whitehill, to support the launch of the Liverpool Club.
The UK construction sector is consistently ranked number one for insolvency, with more than 3,000 firms failing every year. This number is far greater than any other sector, and causes significant economic, social, and environmental harm. Working with Save Construction Initiative in collaboration with industry stakeholders is important because it allows us to support research into the stability of the industry and lobby government to place strategy priorities.
We sat down with our Construction Director and influencer for Save Construction Initiative Chris Mellor who shared his thoughts:
Investing in the next generation
To me, part of working together means changing the way young people understand our sector. Showing them how rewarding careers in construction and the built environment can be. It’s an exciting time to be in the sector because we know we’re at the centre of shaping the future of the planet.
Whilst the sector will face various challenges, diversity introduces new techniques with more sustainable delivery methods and diversification of the workforce itself, moving away from existing stereotypes of the construction sector. A great example of this is the Save Constructions ‘Not Just Men & Muddy Boots’ campaign. This campaign highlights that the key to tackling the skills shortage is by appealing to a broader spectrum of future talent, that steps outside the box of more traditional perceptions of construction professionals.
Mental health
Tackling stigma around mental health in construction is no longer optional. Construction is a huge industry and driving a massive culture change won’t be achieved overnight.
We know that driving meaningful, long-lasting change across the industry comes through providing the skills and the space to have honest conversations with the workforce.
The stigmatisation of the industry, and the people that work within it being ‘big tough men’, defies the reality that life on site can be isolating.
Cultivating a culture where everyone feels they are in a safe space to talk and open up means making a conscious effort to ensure every site is visited regularly by other members of staff, sharing a cuppa and a biscuit with the teams; it goes a long way.
A safe pair of hands
The report by The Build Chain shares the great possibilities for the future of the UK construction sector. But, this stability really relies on government and policy support being desperately needed.
M&Y is built on 40 years of successful history. As one of the North West’s largest maintenance and construction companies and as part of The Regenda Group, our vision is to transform communities and lives by creating opportunities for people and regenerating places.
M&Y’s retention rate of 95.56%, higher than average for the 21.4% sector average.
Being part of an organisation like The Regenda Group means always striving to do the right thing for the people and places in which we work. I feel lucky being part of the Group where we can see, and reach, so much further together.
